Wrestler Hulk Hogan is suing a Florida clinic for $50m (£31m), claiming doctors carried out unnecessary surgery which made his previous back injuries even worse.

Hogan's lawyers have filed the claim against the Tampa-based Laser Spine Institute.

The action is being carried out under the 59-year-old sportsman, actor and TV personality's real name of Terry Bollea, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Hogan also claims the institute used an endorsement from him without his permission or payment.

Lawyers Wil Florin and Eric Czelusta said "negligent conduct" on the part of Laser Spine Institute had resulted in a "provable loss of past and future income of $50m during the last chapter of an internationally successful athletic and entertainment career".

Hogan's lawyers said "numerous prominent spine surgeons" had recommended traditional spinal surgery, but doctors at the institute insisted that this would effectively end his career.

Hogan on stage at an awards show in 2011

They claim Hogan was "the victim of multiple unnecessary endoscopic surgical procedures that further destabilised his already existing injured back".

There has been no comment from the institute.

Hogan, who has had a number of ring names, including Super Destroyer, Mr America and Hulk Machine, is a 12-times world champion.

His popularity as a wrestler led to several TV and film roles, including his own reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, and a number of lucrative advertising endorsements.